In response to questions regarding winger José Antonio Reyes’ imminent exit to Sevilla, the former Colchonero captain said
“Atlético Madrid is above all names,” before admitting that “we find ourselves in a difficult situation.”

‘El Cholo’ continued: “On the first day, [Reyes] arrived two hours before the training session and told us of his desire to leave.

“He’s an important player, we would’ve liked to have been able to count on him, but there’s no time to wait for anyone.”

Simeone replaced Gregorio Manzano on the 23rd of December following Atleti’s poor run of form in league play, especially in away games, and embarrassing elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Segunda División B side Albacete.

“From now on, all we have to do is focus on our next match, which can serve as motivation to press forward,” Simeone said.

“We can’t look back at what has already come to pass. We must look to the future.”

The Rojiblanco boss wants “a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of will” and “a lot of desire” from his men, so that the team can give the fans “hope once again”.

“We will try to help ourselves with the more important players: Arda, Diego, Pizzi, Falcao, Koke, to see how they can play together,” the 41-year-old said.

“A new season starts now. There are players here that have played for big clubs before arriving at Atlético.

“We will have to give them the tools and solutions they need to show what they are capable of.”

El Cholo refused to offer specifics with regard to his starting XI, only revealing that “we will always play with four at the back.

“I like effort, balance, and the word ‘team’.”

The former Argentina international then spoke about a lesson he learned at the Vicente Calderón as a player.

“Atleti has taught me something very good,” he said.

“In hard times we must pull together.”

Ringo Schut

He named Koke… and Pizzi? I love Koke seems to be in the plans, but isn’t Pizzi gone by now?

Javi Lozoya

I am with you “Cholo”!, I have faith that he is gonna restore things to order, I just hope he doesn’t bring Sosa and I hope he brings a player like him when he was the Atletico Madrid captain, Lucas Biglia would be a great signing.

Urban

Pizzi!? WTF!?

falcao

Leroy Fer from Twente,Elm Rasmus from AZ nad as you mentioned Kevin Strootman from PSV
for LW or RW Ahmed Musa from Vitesse

I think we need a defensive midfielder because some team just rips apart the midfield and the back four are slow to contend with the changes so a DM would be nice and another striker

falcao

do you know what Bernd Schuster done for us????

falcao

Veiko

Javi Lozoya

I actually think Sven Bender would be a great signing for us, he is one of my favorite players, the job he does at Dortmund is not recognized by many people but he is vital player for “The Black Yellows”, his progress has been outstanding and I’m sure he is gonna be Germany’s starter DM in Brazil 2014.

Javi Lozoya

There are some German players in Spain it’s not weird, there is Özil, Khedira, Sahin, Trochowski, sure they are from Turkish descent like Mesut and Nuri, others from Tunisian and Polish descent like Khedira and Trochowski respectively, but they have lived in Germany most of their lives so they are still true Germans despite of being descendants of other countries, and yeah I agree with Falcao, Schuster was a great player for us he won the double if I’m not mistaken.

starvs

Awesome that he names Koke. #FREEKOKE

Would rather see Toto listed instead of Pizzi though as developing him is a waste of time at this point.

I’m assuming him not naming Adrian doesn’t mean he will be left out in any way, that would be absurd.

He’s saying all the right things, but will the team actually be any better? So glad the game is Saturday this week not Sunday, I can’t wait that long.

Javi Lozoya

Reyes soap opera seems the never ending story, the club still owns him some wages and he refuses to leave until they pay every single cent they own him and Reyes incident sort of proves the theory that the players haven’t been paid just yet, I’ve also heard that some players haven’t paid since last year, if this is true then the club has a serious problem, we’re going from bad to worse and it would be also very sad to hear that, it’s a shame to see Atleti like this, the truce has ended, GIL LADRON, FUERA DEL CALDERON!!!, something needs to be done right away, I’m tired to see Atletico like this, the club, his rich history and its loyal fans doesn’t deserve this, I think is time to put Javi’s plan into action and to place Atleti in the place it deserves.

Javi

Its rumored that Gil’s salary is 1 million. he should for go it and pay it to the players. That would win him a bit of credit.